How to Use International Phone Codes

Making International Calls to Africa

To call an African country from abroad, follow this format:

1. Exit code: Dial your country's international exit code (e.g., 011 from USA, 00 from most countries)
2. Country code: Dial the African country code (e.g., 234 for Nigeria)
3. Area code: Dial the local area code (often omitting the leading 0)
4. Local number: Dial the local phone number

Example: To call Lagos, Nigeria from the USA: 011 + 234 + 1 + local number

Identifying Countries by Phone Code

Received a call from an African country? Use the phone code to identify which country it's from:

• +20: Egypt
• +27: South Africa
• +212: Morocco
• +213: Algeria
• +234: Nigeria
• +254: Kenya
• +255: Tanzania
• +256: Uganda

Mobile Phone Numbers

When calling mobile phones in Africa:

• Some countries require you to include a mobile prefix (e.g., in Nigeria, mobile numbers start with digits like 070, 080, 081, 090, 091)
• Drop any leading 0 from the mobile number when adding the country code
• Example: To call a Nigerian mobile 0803-123-4567 from abroad: +234-803-123-4567

Cost Considerations

• International calling rates: Vary significantly by carrier and destination
• VoIP services: WhatsApp, Skype, and similar apps offer cheaper alternatives
• Calling cards: Can provide reduced rates for frequent callers
• Roaming charges: Check with your carrier before traveling

Country Code vs. Area Code

Country Code: Identifies the country (e.g., +234 for Nigeria)

Area Code: Identifies a city or region within the country (e.g., 1 for Lagos, 9 for Abuja in Nigeria)

Special Cases

• South Africa (+27): Has one of the shortest country codes in Africa
• Egypt (+20): Also has a short, easy-to-remember code
• South Sudan (+211): Newest country code, assigned when the country gained independence in 2011
• Seychelles (+248): Small island nation with its own unique code